Liverpool interest grows as Newcastle Utd step back
Liverpool have once again been linked with one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, with AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit continuing to attract widespread interest ahead of the new season.
According to original reporting from The Telegraph, Luke Edwards believes Liverpool could emerge as a serious contender for the Dutch youngster, even as Newcastle Utd appear to have cooled their pursuit.
Edwards wrote: “Newcastle have liked Kees Smit for a while but they have never been convinced he wanted to join them and have not pursued anything this summer.
“A number of clubs are interested but Newcastle are not currently active in that conversation. Keep an eye on Liverpool but there are others keen.”
That assessment is significant. Newcastle Utd have long been credited with admiring Smit’s qualities, yet Liverpool now appear well placed if they decide to accelerate their interest.
The 20-year-old has developed rapidly at AZ Alkmaar and is increasingly viewed as one of the Eredivisie’s standout young midfielders, capable of playing as an advanced number eight while also contributing significantly without possession.
Midfield profile matches Liverpool recruitment
Liverpool’s recruitment over recent seasons has consistently favoured technically gifted midfielders capable of pressing aggressively while remaining comfortable progressing possession.
Smit appears to fit many of those requirements.
His performances alongside Ryan Gravenberch for the Netherlands earlier this year only strengthened his growing reputation, while his domestic numbers underline why leading Premier League clubs continue to monitor his development.
Data from FotMob during the 2025/26 Eredivisie season paints the picture of a complete modern midfielder.
Kees Smit 2025/26 Eredivisie statistics:
- Possession won in final third: 0.8 per 90 (89th percentile)
- Chances created: 1.56 per 90 (86th percentile)
- Passes completed: 44.83 per 90 (85th percentile)
- Pass completion: 88.1% (84th percentile)
- Touches in opposition box: 2.36 per 90 (79th percentile)
- Big chances created: 0.25 per 90 (77th percentile)
- Recoveries: 5.56 per 90 (73rd percentile)
- Successful dribbles: 0.88 per 90 (72nd percentile)
Those numbers highlight a midfielder who influences matches at both ends of the pitch. He creates opportunities, protects possession, regains the ball high up the pitch and consistently advances play through intelligent movement and accurate passing.
Performance data highlights complete package
Statistics only tell part of the story, however.
Observers have consistently praised Smit’s athleticism and tactical awareness. His ability to press aggressively without sacrificing positional discipline makes him particularly attractive to clubs looking for energetic midfielders capable of sustaining a high-intensity style.
His passing accuracy remains impressive despite frequently attempting progressive passes, while his dribbling numbers demonstrate confidence when carrying possession through midfield.
Winning possession in advanced areas is another standout feature of his game. Ranking in the top 11 per cent of comparable midfielders illustrates just how effective he has become at disrupting opponents before quickly turning defence into attack.
For Liverpool, who continue to value players capable of contributing both in and out of possession, those qualities are unlikely to have gone unnoticed.
Transfer battle could intensify
Whether Liverpool formalise their interest remains to be seen, but Edwards’ comments suggest they are firmly among the clubs worth monitoring.
Newcastle Utd may have stepped away from negotiations for now, yet competition remains fierce across Europe for one of Dutch football’s brightest prospects.
At just 20 years old, Smit still has considerable room for development, making him precisely the sort of player Premier League recruitment departments increasingly target before values escalate dramatically.
Should Liverpool decide the time is right to move, they would be acquiring a midfielder whose underlying data already compares favourably with established performers across Europe, while his ceiling appears considerably higher.
With Newcastle Utd currently inactive, Liverpool may find themselves in a stronger position if they choose to test AZ Alkmaar’s resolve during the current transfer window.
